So, a sermon at a well-attended event was given about how us preachers are to speak from the pulpit. And in this sermon, Mark Driscoll was addressed multiple times as one bringing 'vulgarity' and 'lewdness' to the pulpit.
Two admonitions to all of you who like ripping on Driscoll -
1) If you're going to address how we're to speak from the pulpit, address US, not Driscoll. Addressing Driscoll isn't helpful for us - just distracting.
2) If you are going to address US about how we're to speak - address us with exegesis of the appropriate texts - not opinions about the propriety of someone else's jokes.
I like Driscoll. I don't always think he does the write thing. He's not Jesus. He doesn't think he's Jesus. But the appropriateness of his speech is subjective; there is no commandment that says 'use this word, not this one' nor that 'this joke in particular is wrong.' So stop writing about Driscoll, and if you want to edify US - start writing to us - address our depraved souls and give us the salve of the gospel of Christ.
Or at least just stop talking about Driscoll. He's neither the Messiah or the antiChrist.
Since you brought it up...
ReplyDeletePaul uses vulgar language in Galatians and Philippians just off the top of my head.
But I can't think of any good reason for telling a joke in the pulpit.
I'm pretty sure that word translated 'eliminated' is a very colorful word as well.
ReplyDeleteYou use no humor when you preach? I think sometimes it helps the congregation track and can convey truth well.